This Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) report analyzes the need for substance use treatment among uninsured workers.  The NSDUH found that an estimated 3 million uninsured full-time workers needed substance use treatment in the past year.  However, only 12.6 percent of those in need received treatment at a specialty facility.  The report also notes that 80 percent of workers classified as requiring treatment did not believe that they needed professional help.

From the report:

Although the public might assume that most adults without health insurance are unemployed or part-time workers, the reality is just the opposite. Over 18 million adults aged 18 to 64 were working full time and had no health insurance coverage; this represents more than half of uninsured non-elderly adults. NSDUH data indicate that there is a substantial need for substance use treatment among uninsured workers—particularly among males and workers aged 18 to 25. Few of those who needed treatment received it. Given the health, economic, and social consequences of untreated substance use disorders, uninsured workers need access to effective substance use treatment services and high-quality care. Addressing the substance use treatment needs of uninsured workers with treatment and recovery services that are coordinated and integrated with primary health care may result in improved health outcomes and greater productivity.

Full report:  NSDUH Report: Substance Use Treatment Need Among Uninsured Workers (PDF | 293.12 KB)

US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2010). NSDUH report: substance use treatment need among uninsured workers.